Innovation Reimagined in Kansas City

There is no one universal definition for innovation. And innovation takes different forms at every level of government. Even in Kansas City, Missouri, innovation has taken many forms. This past year, the city launched a citizen engagement portal and leveraged open data. The woman spearheading those initiatives is Ashley Hand. She is the City’s Chief InnovationRead… Read more »

Hacking the Hacker

Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field. Attackers are constantly changing their strategies and methods of hacking, and it’s a never-ending race for cybersecurity experts to keep up and keep data safe. We explored some of these cyber challenges in GovLoop’s new guide, 30 Innovations that Mattered in 2014. In the guide we talked with Intel SecurityRead… Read more »

Not Just Reindeer Games: NORAD’s Cutting-Edge Technology Tracks Santa

On Christmas Eve, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) will not only use be protecting North American skies, they will also be tracking Santa Claus. If you’re unfamiliar with NORAD, it is a United States and Canada bi-national organization charged with the missions of aerospace warning and aerospace control for North America. Today IRead… Read more »

Watch Your Back: How to Prevent Insider Threats

Edward Snowden. Robert Hanssen. Bradley Manning. Aldrich Ames. At one point, these people were all part of workforces that organizations depended on. But an organization’s backbone can soon become its biggest vulnerability. With insider threat costs ranging from $5,000 to $3 million per incident, how can your agency address the potentially devastating impact of anRead… Read more »

Nutrient Sensor Challenge: Innovation by Another Name

Freshwater nutrient pollution alone costs the U.S. more than $2 billion each year. And that stat is an underestimate because it doesn’t account for brackish estuaries or the 95,000 miles of salty coasts. In an effort to help address this problem, EPA is part of the Challenging Nutrients Coalition, a group of federal agencies, universities,Read… Read more »

Is 2015 When You Should Quit Your Job?

“You’re still at the same company, right?” your cousin asks as the holiday meal is being cleared away. “How are you liking it?” Quick, what’s your answer? As we stand at the cusp of a new year, it’s only natural to look forward to what next year will bring – especially with questions like these comingRead… Read more »

Data Download – A Year In Open Data

In February, the Commence Department opened the Office of Digital Engagement. The idea was simple. Create an office where users can interact with the department on any communication channel. Twitter? Of course. Facebook? You bet. Even Instagram. “This year we put our Secretary on Instagram. She was the first cabinet member to be on Instagram,”Read… Read more »

A Year of Technology Trends and Innovations

When I think of the future of technological innovation and development, my mind first goes to artificial intelligence and robots. But technological innovation doesn’t have to be quite as grandiose, and digital innovation is present today. In terms of government, local, state and federal agencies are challenging their former risk-adverse natures and creating new innovationRead… Read more »

Internet of Things Trailblazers in 2014

It’s easy to find ways in which the Internet of Things (IoT) has affected private and consumer-facing enterprises — you probably have heard of the Nest thermostat or fitness devices that can monitor your movements, location, and workouts throughout the day. But the effect of the Internet of Things on the public sector and government isRead… Read more »